PlanetCatfish.com

Hi,
can you help me to id this catfish, sold to me as L172b

Sorry only the one pic at the mo, will try and get some more if needed
Thanks in advance
Mark

L172b is (according to several websites with the help of Google - there is no such thing in Cat-eLog or Aqualog L-numbers) a variant of .

I don't know if it's actually a VARIATION, or just plan L. heterodon.

I don't know if this is a correct ID or not, but I can almost certainly say that it's correct genus.

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Mats

Thanks Mats.
Only 4" or so that's a shame I was told he/she'd grow to around the 12" mark.
Still there are so many variants
I bought him/her from Ark Aquatics in Canterbury yesterday.
has settled quite well in my 4'er with a few small geos and a S/Am goby. Does however seem a bit shy during the day but is braver when lights are dimmed.
Has been inside flowerpot all day.
Thanks again Mats.

Mark

Hiding all day is typical "new pleco" behaviour, in my experience. Once they settle in, some types come out a little bit more often, particularly if there's a chance of some tasty food. I have no experience of this genus in itself, so I can't say if it's more or less hidey than others. [And even then, some individuals seem to be more outgoing than others....]

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Mats

Thanks again Mat, but I've now been informed by an old mate of mine Mr Andy Fox and have looked it up in my L no book L264 Leporacanthicus Joselimai

here is a better pic, cheers.
if all works out ok it should reach 10" or so.

I can't say for sure if it's one or the other of the "grey with black spots" - and there's no "key" to the identification in the Cat-eLog.

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Mats

I see what you mean Mat.
i'll have to wait for the fish to come out a bit more, but for now I'd say it's more like the Jose than the Hete.
Like you say there is very little difference.

Mark

To me, it appears to be L. heterodon. No leading white edges and something about the coloration strikes me as not L-264esque.

you could be right Jon, and probably are. also the 263 isn't a million miles away
But the longer jaw looks like it most likely is the Heterdon.
I will get some better pics as and when the fish lets me

Mark

I think you meant Jon?

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Mats

L-263 has distinct eyes and an obvious pattern on its hard dorsal ray.

I have corrected my above post, sorry Jon
I realise the differences between my fish and L263, but so many share similar markings, if you know what I mean

You don't have to be sorry for anything...